NAME : NOLUBABALO

SURNAME : NKOSAYIDLI

STUDENT NUMBER : 202108442

COURSE CODE : BCH 212

TASK : ASSIGNMENT
INTRODUCTION

Chromatography is the process of separating a mixture into its various components so that they can
be easily identified. It consists of a stationary phase (a solid) and a mobile phase (a liquid or a gas
Each type of chromatography involves a mobile phase passing through a stationary phase to
separate the compound.  The stationary phase may be housed within a column, such as in gas
chromatography or be a simple plane, such as in planar chromatography. A mixture is injected into a
solvent and is then passed through the stationary phase (Trevor et al.1950). Chromatography in
forensic science has many applications, from toxicology to pathology to crime scene investigations.
Forensic laboratories use chromatography applications every day and must have equipment that
performs well and produces accurate results for quality analysis. Chromatography has become a
widely accepted method for identifying compounds in evidence during forensic research. While gas
chromatography is one of the most common methods, forensic technicians may also choose high-
performance liquid chromatography, paper chromatography, gas chromatography or thin-layer
chromatography.

Gas chromatography (GC) has several uses within the forensic process. This type of
chromatography uses gas as the mobile phase to move the injected substance toward the
stationary phase to analyse the mixture by measuring their retention time. This helps
forensic lab technicians identify several factors. For example, one of the most common
uses of gas chromatography in forensics is for identifying and determining a pathology
conclusion, such as fluids present in a body, analysing blood samples or identifying poisons
present. In addition, these machines can help forensic scientists investigate crimes, such as
arson, by testing different compounds to find flammable liquids.

Liquid chromatography (HPLC) machines push substances through using a high-pressure

pump. These machines help forensic scientists analyse volatile substances such as
gunpowder residue, fibres, and toxins. One of its most common uses is to determine
materials used in explosives (Joseph, C.1993). Additionally, many explosive materials can
wear down during the gas chromatography methods. Because a high-pressure pump is
moving the substance through liquid instead of gas, it keeps the substance in its most pure
state to ensure accuracy.

Forensic scientists employ two types of planar chromatography: paper chromatography and
thin-layer chromatography. While they’re similar in that both have the mobile phase as a
solvent, both have different principles behind each method. Let’s start with paper
chromatography. The process includes a strip of paper—in this case the stationary phase—
that’s placed into the solvent to separate the compounds by passing through the paper.
This method can be helpful for analysing fingerprints and some bodily fluids. The process of
thin-layer chromatography (TLC), unlike the paper stationary phase, is characterized by a
thin-layer cell. While it’s not quite as versatile as gas or high-performance liquid
chromatography, it can be a reliable source for analysing explosives, inks, and dyes)

Chromatography has become a widely accepted method for identifying compounds in

evidence during forensic research. While gas chromatography is one of the most common
methods, forensic technicians may also choose high-performance liquid chromatography,
planar chromatography, or thin-layer chromatography.

REFERENCES:
Joseph,C.(1993).History of chromatography. Journal of liquid chromatography.pp.164-194.
Trevor, I, et al (1950). "History of chromatography". Nature. 166 (4232): 1000–1001.
4ConclusionIn conclusion,
the capabilities of forensic
science are very
likeable.DNA gives you
asuspect and can determine if
that person was even apart of
the crime scene as well. Like
yearsbefore advanced
technology for forensic
science, many innocent
people were behind
bars.Forensics helps solve
crimes and put away the right
person. Without it, we will
have more